President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has adviced university graduates to make use of skills acquired while in school to explore the agricultural sector in the country.
The President, who was represented by the Director (Extension), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, made this known in his address as a special guest of honour in the 12th convocation ceremony of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture , Umuahia, Umuahia on Saturday, 30th November, 2024.
He said,This administration is aware of the unique role that quality education can play in developing men and women of character who are citizens dedicated to the service of their fatherland and can help solve problems of our nation, which are numerous, multi-faceted, and complicated.”.
He also noted that agriculture remains strategic in the nation’s fight against its diverse and deep-rooted problem, hence his government’s increase in agricultural universities in Nigeria. Also speaking as a special guest in the event, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, who was represented by his Deputy Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, declared his dedication to enhancing institutions and creating a supportive learning environment for students.
Otti emphasised the importance of agriculture and innovation in boosting the state’s economy and acknowledged the pivotal role that future leaders and innovators will play in advancing these sectors.He pointed out that his administration focuses on promoting entrepreneurship, vocational education, and research and development, emphasising that education extends beyond degrees into real-world application. . Gov. Alex Otti commended Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, for not only being a place of learning but also a hub of knowledge innovation and transformation that has significantly contributed to the economic development of Abia State and beyond.He congratulated all the graduates and said, “As you enter this new chapter of your lives, I encourage you to be determined in chasing your dreams, uphold your beliefs, and recognise the importance of ethical leadership.” The Vice Chancellor of Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudahia, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, in his address, thanked his Excellency for honouring them with his presence and appreciated him for his kind responses to the needs of the university.In his words,We are happy with his excellency for endorsing the title of the university land, and we are waiting for the handover of the documents to the university soonest.”.
The Vice Chancellor also thanked the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Good Security, the Honourable Minister of Education, the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission, and other agencies of the government for collaborating with them.
Still speaking, the VC congratulated all the graduates for pulling through despite all huddles and encouraged the students to remain major stakeholders in the education industry and the community.
He exposed that some of the main challenges institutions face include endless industrial strike actions that continue to affect the calendar year, a paucity of funds, and a lack of good access roads and pleaded with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to do what they are supposed to do to resolve the unending problem, which is almost becoming a cancer to education.
Also the best graduating student, Promise Chibuike,with a G.P of 4.92 from Biochemistry Department while delivering his valedictory pointed out that it is an indescribable honour to stand as the best overall graduating student for the convocation of year 2024.In his words “it is a moment of gratitude and reflection:a moment to celebrate our collective achievement and unwavering foundation that brought them thus far”.He attributed his success to God,encouragement from his parents and loved one,his incredible lectures for their unwavering dedication to impacting knowledge ,the teamwork as students,and his resilience and determination to be best.
The event featured presentation of awards to outstanding students and the event was well attended by vice Chancellors and academicians from other tertiary institutions.
